Favorite Images of 2021 (Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #180)

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Hello Readers, 

The theme for the Lens-Artists’ Photo Challenge is Favorite Images of 2021 – and #SundayStills also has this theme running from 1-2 to 1-8 (here). 

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Starting with a photo I took in the summer while in Cocoa Beach, FL. There is a certain area where they have peacocks roaming freely. I was grabbing some photos and one peacock fluttered up and then posed in this tree.

The “peacock in the tree” photo reminded me of a top photo from last year’s annual review post with a bird in the tree (here) but was still quite different.

These colorful flowers (taken on a walk somewhere) along the painted brick spoke to me. First of all, the hearty petunias stood out – humble and low maintenance beauty that keeps on giving – and then the “not so exotic” painted brick reminded me of more humbleness with beauty that is subtle (not flashy, not glittery).  

I also liked the softness of the flowers, dangling along the hard bricks. It reminded that life is often this way. We have softeness and beauty amidst the hardness in life. And I do not only mean “tough hard” – I am referring to the natural toughness with structure or just the kind of “hard” that comes with life’s elements –  and how all of this can be softened (and colored) by nature (and love). Flowers and foliage offer so much to the world. 

It is like the petunias are quietly singing to us – 🙂

This next photo has the same idea with softness amidst the hard. However, it also whispers of triumph. 

Above photo: The center pink flower reminds us to stand tall and let our essence shine. This photo was taken on the patio at one of my favorite restaurants here in Richmond, VA – a place that holds sweet memories for our family. In my mind, I quickly scroll memory lane whenever I am on that patio – recalling different seasons out there. 
We did not do too much gardening in 2021, but so glad we were able to have some tasty container veggies to pick from.

Peppermint is so easy to grow and in 2021, I FINALLY made my own peppermint tea. It came out “just okay” – but it was fun to try.  I also thought of Su Leslie with this five-minute photo shoot – and sending Get Well wishes her way. 🧡: 🧡:🧡: 

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We had some fun juices in 2021. The above photo reminded me of the hot summer and then the refreshment that came with fresh drinks (in glass bottles) that nourished and satisfied. 

For us at the Priorhouse, I would say that 2021 was a “mediocre” year. In some ways “blah” but then in other ways, it had some very nice aspects. (Three stars or a B minus – ha) 

I know many folks have said that 2021 was a terrible year. I have read numerous posts about the strain and drain. I have also heard many local folks share some of their trials and so this next photo depicts that 2021 vibe:

The good news is that 2022 is here – offering us fresh days and a chance to enjoy new experiences.

Happy New Year!  

Thanks for checking out this post and if you want to join in with your favorite images from 2021, create a post and use the tag #Lens-Artists – (or check out Tina’s post for the new theme this week, which is “double dipping”). 

Thanks (again) to our hosts: Tina, Amy, Ann-Christine, and Patti – as well as the new hosts joining in for 2022: Sofia Alves of Photographias, Anne Sandler of Slow Shutter Speed, and John Steiner of Journeys with Johnbo

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65 thoughts on “Favorite Images of 2021 (Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #180)”

  1. Lovely review of the year Yvette – laughed at your closing image, it’s perfect! We may be down but definitely not out! And loved your triumphant shot especially. Happy New Year!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Tina – thanks so much and also a quiet thank you for not noting how Late I was to this challenge – I made it close to the release of your fun double dipping release but you never mentioned that 0 and I appreciate it because it keeps it all about the photos and the post – wishing you a nice day
      🙂

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  2. Yvette, this was so fun to read! The peacock in the tree!!! 🥰 I especially like the sign on the ground. It really says what a lot feel from last year. 👏🏼 Love your pics! 💜

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    1. Hi Renee – in some ways it feels as if the the year flew by and posts like remind me that yes, there were 12 full months – ha
      and your “little stinker” post was my favorite of your posts from 2021 – I have shared it with a handful of people – 💜💜💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I know years do sometimes feel they have flown by. It’s unreal there were 12 of them flying out the window 😆 It felt more like 24 for me!🙈Awe…thanks so much! I am still blown away from that little stink bug visiting me several times on my front porch.

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  4. Nice, uplifting selection – your flowers are such a pretty sight on this dull rainy day. I’m glad you finally had your own mint tea 🙂 My window garden didn’t have a great year, no idea why.

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  9. Yourlower images are beautiful and cheerful. All the flowers are gone here for now. Your selections are reminding and offering a chance to enjoy new experiences in 2022. Thank you, Yvette!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Amy – first – I like your new “Gravatar” blog image – (good choice of photo)
      and cheers to when the flowers come back 🙂

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  10. You had some great images for 2021, Yvette. I love peacocks. I went to a botanical garden with many peacocks roaming everywhere. The owner brought the peacocks back from overseas years ago. Your petunias are pretty. I had them in some years.

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    1. Hi Miriam – those petunias were not mine – I photographed them on a walk somewhere – but I do love to have trailing petunias around – perhaps an overlooked flower by some who want more exotic 🙂 – and maybe I even got away from them for a while but came on back 🙂
      Also, peacocks at botanical gardens sound like a nice treat and good idea.

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      1. The peacocks in the garden are nice. But they roamed to the neighborhood and some people don’t like the loud noise. The city tells the people to report so they could go take care of it. They don’t want the people to use poison to get rid of the beautiful creatures. 🙂

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        1. yes. thanks for reminding us that they are a bit loud and can leave a mess – and that is not for everyone – and hope the garden can take care of them and not let them roam

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  13. A wonderful testament to your hobbies and interests to keep your mind off the uncertainty of 2021, Yvette! As an educator, I agree with your assessment of a B-, LOL! Those petunias are so pretty and fun! I LOVE photographing florals, especially close-ups, but none to be found for a few more months here anyway. Glad you shared your best of 2021 and double-dipped in time for Lens-Artists, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Terri – you are so right about the flowers coming in a few months – and I just noticed that our tree has very small signs of buds coming – we are in Virginia where it is milder winter – but that brought a smile to know spring and summer will be here and to enjoy the winter for what it has to offer too

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Happy New Year, Yvette. I think 2021 was rather blah, but it did have some bright spots too. I’m hoping there’ll be more of those in 2022.
    I love the way the peacock posed for your photo, and I agree with you about flowers – how dull would our world be without them. We need to not only take time to stop and smell the roses, but take the time to really look at them too. Their beauty is beyond words. So much to wonder at and be thankful for. Our world is the perfect place for us.

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    1. Hi Norah, really loved how you described what we need to do to soak up floral beauty (felt a bit Thoreau-like)
      “We need to not only take time to stop and smell the roses, but take the time to really look at them too. Their beauty is beyond words.”
      well said

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  15. I like petunias. They cheer my soul. I like your photo of the peppers and herbs displayed on a granite counter. So much color and texture… and possibility in that photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Ally – cheers to petunias and I love how you noted the peppers and herbs whispered possibility – ahhhh – and it sure was nice to “pick a pepper” almost daily. They are so easy to grow in containers.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Pingback: Sunday Stills: The #Future Is Ours – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

  21. Thanks for your good wishes Yvette. 2021 is definitely a year I won’t forget (however much I’d like to). I
    m doing ok and will hopefully get back to blogging sometime in the next few months. In the meantime, I do drop by WP occasionally and it’s lovely to read your post.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Su – thanks for the comment and I am so glad you were online to catch my well wishes. So many of us think of you often and sending blog hugs
      xx Yvette

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  22. What a year 2021 was! So many things happened,,, Yet it felt as if the time went slow, but on the other hand the time flew by and did not feel asif it was time for a New Year again!
    Here’s to 2022! May it be a great year!

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  23. As always love your take on. Soft and hard, triumphant and the last one…well chosen. Smiles. Love your mindset. All the best for the new year, Yvette!

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  24. Yvette – I thought 2020 was a big learning curve, but 2021 seemed to morph into a “new normal” until the tail end of the year. I hope when we welcome in 2023, we’ve got a more positive attitude … it’s been a difficult and long two years and I have been lucky enough to be working from home this past decade, so I can’t imagine how others feel who are forced to go out into the world in the midst of this pandemic. Yes the sign on the ground was a good way to sum up 2021 and the beautiful peacock fluttering up into a tree and those stunning petunias erased the sign on the ground image with their beauty. More peacocks and petunias please!

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    1. Hi Linda, I agree – more birds and flowers in general – 🙂
      and the peacock was actually getting away from me as I was getting too close with my camera – so I am not sure he wanted to be in the tree –
      and interesting to think of 2023 right now – it feels so far off yet truly will be here before we realize it –
      ((and that sign made me think of you and restless Jo))

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, we need them now more than ever Yvette. I have never seen a peacock but I guess I should have known they might be skittish and a tree was not normally its habitat. I once took a picture of a yellow yield sign that said “goose crossing” and someone had mowed it down … I can’t remember if I used it, or it is in my burgeoning group of pictures slated for posts. I was thinking the poor geese better watch themselves with no sign out. 🙂

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